-
What is considered a maintenance emergency and what is not?
-
The Following are considered EMERGENCY issues:
- No A/C when outdoor temperatures are above 85 degrees (unless there is medical documentation).
- No heat when outdoor temps are below 55 degrees.
- Mainline sewage backup.
- Major water leak (inc. roof leaks)/standing water.
- Break-ins: CONTACT POLICE FIRST
- Lockouts – There is a $50 fee (CASH or Check must be paid immediately) 1-2 hour wait is typical.
- Clogged toilet (ONLY if property has one bathroom).
- Carbon monoxide detectors sounding.
- Fallen tree on house or blocking driveway.
- Sparking electrical outlets (try turning off breaker).
The Following are considered NON-EMERGENCY issues:
- No A/C or Heat when exterior temps fall within the 85 degree and 55 degree range.
- No hot water or poor water pressure.
- Refrigerator not cooling: use a cooler or a neighbors refrigerator.
- Tripped breakers or fuses.
- No electricity due to power outage. Call Progress Energy or Duke Power.
- Dishwasher, stove outage, disposal, microwave, washer, or dryer problems.
- Stopped up toilet when there is another toilet accessible.
- Drippy faucets or pipes.
- Neighbor nuisances.
- Any other general maintenance.
-
How do I avoid City violations or citations?
-
Some local governments have Nuisance Ordinances set up to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to enjoy the neighborhood & the surroundings. Here is a list of the most common reasons that a property could be in violation of local ordinances:
- Vehicle(s) parked on the grass.
- Furniture, mattresses, appliances, cardboard boxes, or building materials, stored in yard, front porch or driveway.
- Indoor furniture on the front porch, deck, patio, balcony, or in the yard.
- Loud music or other noises.
- Large gatherings.
- An inoperable, un-inspected, or unregistered vehicle parked on the property.
- Trash can or recycling bin remaining at the curb after pick-up day.
- Trash, furniture, appliances, or other household items not discarded properly.
- High grass or yard not being properly maintained.
-
How to handle heat and air at properties with heat pumps?
-
[ASK YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER IF THIS APPLIES TO YOUR PROPERTY]
- A heat pump is a dual system for providing heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
- The air that comes out of your vents should be only a few degrees different from the interior temperature of your house. Therefore, it is best if the desired temperature is not fluctuated more than 1-2 degrees at a time.
- We highly recommend that you set the desired temperature and then do not adjust the thermostat. The system will use less electricity maintaining a temperature while you are away then it will when it is trying to increase/decrease the temperature more than 2 degrees.
- We suggest not turning the system off during the hottest part of the summer or coldest part of the winter. If you go out of town, it would be better to set the temperature to an affordable level. When you return to the house, only increase/decrease the temperature 1-2 degrees at a time.
- When outside temperatures are below 32 degrees this system is not as effective. You may need to switch your thermostat to auxiliary (emergency) heat when temperatures are below 32 degrees.
-
Who is responsible for replacing batteries in my smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors?
-
Residents are responsible for maintaining the batteries in both the smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide detectors. If you hear a chirping sound, please replace the batteries.
-
How do I maximize the efficiency of my heating and air conditioning?
-
- Change your air filters on a regular basis, typically every 30 days.
- If you have a digital thermostat, replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Try not to vary the desired temperature more than 2-3 degrees at a time. Large temperature swings place a heavy demand on the equipment and will increase your electrical usage.
-
What if I have a problem or issue that I feel like is not being resolved properly?
-
At Barker Realty, Inc. we want to work hard to resolve issues quickly when they arise. If you feel that something has not been handled well please contact the office to speak to our Broker-in-Charge, Cindy Minion, to see if she can help resolve the issue. Cindy can be reached at [email protected] or 919-322-1181.
-
How is trash handled at my property?
-
- Some properties have a dumpster provided. Do not store trash in the common areas. If you have a large item that does not fit in the dumpster, please contact your property manager to discuss disposal options. Leaving large or bulky items next to the dumpster could lead to a citation and/or fines.
- Most properties within city or town limits have trash and recycling pick-up on a weekly basis. Note that only trash fitting inside the trash bin will be picked up by Solid Waste Services. Do not leave large or bulky items at the curb, as this could lead to a citation and/or fines.
- For properties located outside of city or town limits, trash disposal may be the tenant’s responsibility. Please contact your property manager for details.
-
What do I do if I am locked out of my property?
-
During normal business hours, please come to the office with a photo ID. You will be loaned a key for a few hours to allow access to the property or to make a copy of the key. There is no charge for this serve.
If our office is closed, please call 919-369-9169 to make arrangements. Please note there is a $50 service fee due at the time the representative arrives with the key. We will accept cash or check, but will not be able to accept credit card payments.
-
What can I do through my resident portal?
-
- Pay Your Rent Online using E-check (FREE) or debit/credit card (fees apply). You can make a one-time payment or create recurring payments.
- Submit A Maintenance Request at anytime of the day or night. Your request will be sent directly to your property manager for review. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT SEND AN ONLINE REQUEST. CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. If the emergency is AFTER-HOURS call 919-369-9169.
**Please note that not all maintenance issues are considered emergencies and may not be addressed until the office re-opens. Please see the FAQ “What is considered an Emergency.”
-
How do I access my tenant portal?
-
If you have not already received a link in your email, please contact your property manager by phone or email. Your property manager will send you a link to register. The email will come from Appfolio and it is titled “Barker Realty, Inc. – Pay Your Rent Online.”
Click on the Link in the email. Your resident portal will use your email address on file and you will create your own password.
-
How do I pay my rent each month?
-
We accept the following forms of payment:
- Online payments through your Resident Portal. E-check (no cost). Debit/credit (fees apply).
- Personal checks, money orders, & cashier’s checks
Payments can be sent to: Barker Realty, Inc. 1401-113 Sunday Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
-
What happens if I don’t pay my rent on time?
-
If you choose to pay after the grace period, you must include your late fee with your payment.
After midnight of the 10th, personal checks will no longer be accepted and your online payment portal may be deactivated. Your payment must be in certified funds (money order or cashier’s check).
Around the 11th of each month, accounts are assessed for eviction through the county court system. If your account is unpaid by the 11th, it is possible that summary ejectment proceedings will begin. Therefore we recommend that you contact your property manager with questions.
-
When is rent due each month?
-
Rent is due on the first of every month. There is a five day grace period for you to submit your rent payment. Even if this date falls on a weekend or holiday your rent is still due according to these guidelines. You are also able to pay rent online 24/7/365. Contact your property manager to activate your online portal.
-
How much is my late fee?
-
The late fee is $15 or 5% of your total rent, whichever is greater. If you are paying your rent late you will need to include this fee with your rental payment.
-
Can I pay my rent online?
-
Absolutely. We encourage online payment. You are able to make your payment online from anywhere and anytime through your Tenant Portal. Please contact your property manager to activate your online resident portal.
-
How do I report an emergency?
-
Please call us at 919-859-0044 during office hours for emergencies (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). If you are calling outside of our regular hours please call our after-hours emergency maintenance phone number at 919-369-9169.
-
How do I submit a non-emergency work request?
-
A non-emergency work order can be sent online at anytime through your online resident portal. If you have not yet activated your portal, please contact your property manager to do so. In addition you may call in your request to the office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Any member of our staff will be happy to assist you. You may also contact your property manager by phone or email.
-
Can we make changes inside the property (ex: paint)?
-
This will need to be negotiated with your property manager. Any change like this will need to be submitted to your property manager in written format (email, letter).
-
How do I get cable/satellite hooked up at my property?
-
In order to establish utility services you will need to call the proper utility company. If the service requires adding an additional cable outlet or adding a satellite dish, you will need a permission letter from your property manager.
-
How do I get in touch with the property manager to ask additional questions?
-
You can contact your property manager by email or phone. They will provide your their direct dial number and personal email.
-
Is someone available on weekends or evenings to answer my questions?
-
The office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and the staff can answer any questions you may have during those hours. If it is an after hour’s emergency, please call 919-369-9169.
-
What is the penalty for moving before my lease ends?
-
If you move out before your lease expires you will be responsible for paying rent through the end of your lease. Please contact your property manager to discuss any details and options related to your situation.
-
I lost my Move-Out Instructions. Can I get another list?
-
You may access Move-Out Instructions and many other forms under the Forms heading on this page.
-
My roommate is moving. How do I add another person to my lease?
-
The new person will need to fill out an application with Barker Realty, Inc. and their application will need to be approved before they are able to move in. Applications are available online or at our office. Then we will do a roommate transfer, and the new roommate will be added to the lease. Please contact your property manager to discuss specifics.
-
I received some court paperwork. What do I do next?
-
After receiving court paperwork, contact your property manager to discuss your options.